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Partnerships in fairtrade coffee: a close-up look at how buyers and NGOs build supply capacity in Nicaragua

Donovan, Jason; Poole, Nigel

Authors

Jason Donovan



Abstract

This paper examines efforts by buyers and NGOs to build the supply of Fairtrade coffee from the Nicaragua-based cooperative Soppexcca following the coffee crisis. Support was aimed at transforming Soppexcca into a viable business, able to respond to the needs of its coffee-farming members. Results show that Soppexcca made significant gains, including expansion of infrastructure, growth in membership, and increased financial stability. However, important issues remained, related to democratic governance, future growth and stability, and the provision of services. Results suggest that advances in building cooperatives do not easily translate into increased capacities at the household level. While some important gains were detected, in general, producers struggled to intensify coffee production and take full advantage of their access to preferential markets. This paper makes a plea for deeper discussions about how buyers and NGOs can more effectively contribute to building the supply of high-quality Fairtrade coffee, and the need for increased coordination and mutual learning as part of the process.

Citation

Donovan, J., & Poole, N. (2014). Partnerships in fairtrade coffee: a close-up look at how buyers and NGOs build supply capacity in Nicaragua. Food chain (2011. Online), 4(1), 34-48. https://doi.org/10.3362/2046-1887.2014.004

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2014
Deposit Date Mar 5, 2014
Print ISSN 2046-1879
Electronic ISSN 2046-1887
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 4
Issue 1
Pages 34-48
DOI https://doi.org/10.3362/2046-1887.2014.004
Keywords assets, fairtrade, coffee, smallholders, cooperatives, development practice, Nicaragua